Read Saskatoon Presented With 2015 Council of the Federation Premiers' Literacy Award

Today, Education Minister Don Morgan recognized READ Saskatoon for its outstanding contributions to improving literacy rates in the province by presenting the organization with the 2015 Council of the Federation (COF) Premiers’ Literacy Award.

“On behalf of Premier Brad Wall, it’s my honour to present READ Saskatoon with this important award,” Morgan said. “Reading is a skill that we rely on each and every day. It allows us to participate in our communities, to improve our education and job prospects, and to very simply enjoy life. I commend READ Saskatoon for their commitment to helping the people of this province improve their quality of life by helping them learn to read. Their work changes lives.”

READ Saskatoon is a provincially- and nationally-recognized community-based organization that has been offering free literacy programs and services to thousands of adults and families in the Saskatoon area for more than 35 years. First established as a volunteer agency, READ Saskatoon addresses and supports the advancement of literacy and learning in the community by providing a range of literacy services for adults and families through the work of staff, trained volunteers and community partners.

“We are very pleased to be recognized with this national award,” READ Saskatoon Board Chair Erin Kuan said. “At READ Saskatoon we believe lifelong learning habits contribute to strong and resilient communities. Strong literacy skills are foundational to an individual’s economic, social, educational and, employment success. Even more significant, strong literacy skills are foundational to a family’s success. A child’s first teacher is their parent. Their home is the first classroom, and the community is their first school. Literacy is foundational to Saskatchewan’s success. Thank you for helping us share the message that education is everybody's business.”

Established in 2004, the Council of the Federation Literacy Award recognizes the excellence of educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations and businesses across the field of literacy, including family, Aboriginal, health, workplace and community literacy. Each award recipient receives a certificate signed by the Premier, a COF Premiers’ Literacy Award medallion and, in Saskatchewan, a small bursary in appreciation of the work literacy volunteers do.